Stadion am Zoo – stadium description

It would take a while to list all the reasons for this ground’s fame. Although built in just six months, for decades it was centre of attention for many. Firstly, since the opening in 1924, it boasted one of the fastest, if not the fastest cycling tracks in Europe. Then in the 1930’s Hitler came to speak to what may be an unofficial record of 50,000 citizens at the ground. In 1938 Germany’s national team played against Luxemburg, though winning only 2:1.

After WWII the ground remained among the most important venues of West Germany. As the role of football became more and more apparent, changes had to come. In 1974 Wuppertaler SV achieved highest ever attendance – 38,000 – in a match against Bayern Munich. The very same year first benches were installed on the cycling track to cope with increasing demand. These unusually shaped rows of seating remain today, though now covered with 1,500 seats.

In 1990’s, when the main stand was extremely dilapidated, came another revamp. For DM28 million a new one was built. The most important thing however was to incorporate it into the existing administration building that is a listed monument, one of the most important sporting monuments in Germany that date back to the first half of 20^th century. Then in 2005-2008 stands behind goals moved closer to the pitch, though remaining uncovered terraces.